and have these been new model teething issues, design issues, or problems inherent to the Audi quattro V-8 combo?

Thus far there seem to be excessive oil consumption problems which may or may not be tied to breakin, coolant leaks, and those mysterious clutch problems we keep hearing about. No discussion about problems would be complete without addressing the nightmare FinallyS5 is currently dealing with.

Also, whenever I clean the car with the key in my pocket it constantly locks itself and beeps as I pour water over the lock touch pad on the door handles. Now I keep the key inside while cleaning so it doesn't do this... And I can easily clean the mirrors.

Otherwise mine has been flawless, no oil lights and my clutch seems to behave just like any other standard car ive driven. I'm at 3300 miles and took delivery October 16.

It happens on my 330xi as well. ust keep the key away from the car. The water causes teh sensor to activate.

... because I love driving the thing so much that I always seek out the longest route.

The only problem I've had is an MIL (malfunction indicator lamp) lit up on the dash. It took them 3 days and a few calls to Germany to figure it out and the outcome was to change the air filter. That has been the only problem and I haven't had this much fun in a car since I was a teenager!

How's the car now? Too bad you had those problems.

But if it unlocks and you don't open the door within 30 (60?) seconds, it re-locks.

I also have a 350Z, which I'm embarrased to say I take through the car wash. The early models has problems with the car wash rags catching the door knob, and opening the door.

Therefore, if you're sitting in the car, ignition on or off, it won't affect the locks.

And LOL at automatic car washes opening the doors on 350Zs. That's a bitch of a problem.

It is not as much of a go cart or sports car as the Lotus Elise/Exige or Porsche Cayman, but it has the creature comforts these cars lack and more of an ultimate GT cruiser car.

I like it better than the BMW 3 series but need to see how it compares to the new BMW M3 in terms of price and performance.

Now if I had to pick just one car for commute and trips the Audi S5 is a winner no doubt for 55-60k. Hopefully once inventory arrives in next 2-3 years and the gremlins are worked out, a better deal can be made as it will not be as hot a car as it is now. Just like the R8 is overpriced due to demand.

I would love an R8 but can actually afford the S5. Go figure.